[Video below.] A fiery live television debate erupted between Sean Hannity and former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as the two sparred over the growing influence of democratic socialists in New York politics, with the discussion quickly devolving into a heated exchange over policing, immigration, and the Middle East.

The confrontation intensified after Hannity repeatedly questioned de Blasio about the positions of newly elected far-left candidates and whether he supported their agenda. Rather than directly addressing those issues, de Blasio repeatedly shifted the discussion toward U.S. policy in the Middle East.

De Blasio argued that the surprise primary victory of democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier over five-term Congressman Adriano Espaillat was driven largely by voters’ opposition to American involvement in the Middle East. He said Avila Chevalier’s criticism of U.S. policy resonated because “against what America has been doing in the Middle East,” adding that “a clear majority of Americans do not think we should be in a war with Iran,” including many Republicans.

Continuing his point, de Blasio said, “A clear majority of Americans think that what the [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government has done in Israel to the Palestinian people is wrong,” before Hannity attempted to cut him off.

“Wait, wait, wait. Let me finish!” de Blasio shouted.

Hannity immediately pushed back, insisting the discussion was about New York politics rather than international affairs.

“We’re not talking about Israel. No, no, no. We’re not talking about Israel,” Hannity replied, even as de Blasio asked for an opportunity to complete his remarks.

Hannity then redirected the conversation to Avila Chevalier’s policy positions, saying, “No. We’re talking about [how Avila Chevalier] wants to abolish the police, she wants no borders, she wants illegals that commit murder and rape to not go to prison — and I’m asking you, you were the mayor of New York City, I’m asking you if you would vote for this lady and you’re telling me yes? You’d vote for this lunatic?”

De Blasio answered that he would support Avila Chevalier and said he did not consider the 32-year-old candidate to be a lunatic, even while acknowledging that he disagreed with her on numerous issues.

The debate came as candidates aligned with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and running on strongly progressive, anti-Israel platforms scored victories in three congressional districts. Meanwhile, moderate Democrat Ritchie Torres comfortably held onto his Bronx seat, winning 71% of the primary vote and maintaining strong support among working-class voters.

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{Matzav.com}